-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
fox fire
noun
: an eerie phosphorescent light (as of decaying wood)
also
: a luminous fungus (such as Panellus stipticus) that causes decaying wood to glow
Examples of fox fire in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The northern lights are referred to in Finnish as revontulet, which literally translates as fox fire.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of fox fire was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near fox fire
Cite this Entry
“Fox fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fox%20fire. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
fox fire
noun
: an eerie glow seen at night in woods and bogs that is caused by a fungus in decaying wood
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share